Mysterious Deposit

Were you ever given something and you didn't really understand exactly what you had? Every so often I will watch the show about the folks who take their "treasures" to have them appraised to see if they are in fact "treasures" or merely junk. Some come away very happy because they find out that that the vase they brought in is worth real money. Most go home disappointed to find that what they thought was going to fund their retirement would not get them a happy meal. On that day in Galilee about six months before Jesus' death Luke tells us that Jesus said, "Let these words sink into your ears..."(9:44) I like the picture of something "sinking into one's ears." A message has to sink into the ear before it can sink into the heart. The old saying "in one ear and out the other" means the message did not "sink" but merely flowed on through. Ground that holds the water can produce a crop. Sandy soil that allows the rain to flow through is not nearly as productive. On that occasion Jesus was pouring death, burial and resurrection into their ears. He was strategically placing this message there and He wanted it to "sink in." Now the implications of the death, burial and resurrection were profound. Read Romans and you will see this. They were not getting all of that on this occasion. They did get enough of it to be "deeply grieved." (Matt.17:23) At this point Jesus was intentionally concealing some of what He was saying from them so they might not perceive it.(Luke 9:45) Perhaps if they did they might bolt too early. It was scary enough that they were afraid to ask Him what it all meant. (Mark 9:32; Lk.9:45)

This idea of deposit or sinking into captured my attention. God and Jesus were about placing things where they wanted them. A lamp was to be placed on a lampstand, not under a bushel. (Mt.5:15) God placed His Spirit in His servant, Jesus. (Mt.12:18) There are many texts where we are told God will place Jesus' enemies under His feet. (Mt.22:44) Sick folks were strategically placed near Jesus or one of the apostles for healing. (Mk.6:56; Acts 5:15) Jesus placed His hands on children to bless them. (Mk.10:16) Several times the New Testament speaks of the foundation and cornerstone that has been placed or laid. (Lk.6:48; Rom.9:33) Several times the Bible speaks of laying down a life for another. (John 10:11, 15; 15:13) The word is used to describe Jesus being laid in a tomb. (John 20:15) God Himself arranges or places the members of the body of Christ as he desires. (1 Cor.12:18) The word of reconciliation has been deposited into us. (2 Cor.5:19) Paul was placed into service. (1 Tim.1:12) Jesus was appointed or placed as heir of all things. (Heb.1:2) Money was laid at the apostles feet and it then belonged to the Lord. (Acts 4:35,37)

When God puts something in its place He expects it to stay there until He moves it. I am a creature of habit. I put my car keys in the same place every night. I do not like it when someone decides to help me by putting them in a "better place." God puts His things where He wants them to be. In this case Jesus wanted His message of death, burial and resurrection to be in the ears of His disciples. We normally put important and valuable things in places we consider safe and secure. Was the gospel safe and secure in the ears of His disciples? Even though at that point they did not fully understand, they would when the Spirit was sent. (1 Cor.2:12)  Just as Elizabeth stored the words about her son John in her heart (Lk.1:66) until it was revealed what manner of child he would be, the disciples stored the gospel in their hearts until they witnessed it unfold and were taught by the Spirit what it fully meant. This is why we too need to let His words sink into our ears so that one day they may sink into our hearts.